What’s Your Word for 2020?

I had such a great time leading a workshop recently for the members of my book club helping them craft their vision for 2020. It was empowering for us to spend this time together focusing on what’s important.

We discussed the big differences between the more traditional style of “making a resolution” versus the recent philosophy of intentions. Simply put, resolutions are fixed absolutes, somewhat inflexible demands we put on ourselves to commit to a change in our behavior. It’s the goal we want to achieve but does not outline the steps to get there. Here is an article on the “Top Five Resolutions” and I have made all of them over the years. Did you know 80% of us will fail at the follow-through of our resolution by mid-February? This is due largely to our lack of self-discipline (link here for a great article). A resolution doesn’t focus on “the why.”

In contrast, an intention is “the why.” It’s the steps we need to take to reach our goal. Intentions can be adjusted and are more forgiving and allow us to stay on course even while changing direction. Here’s an article on how to take those top five resolutions and change them into intentions.

Ready to find your word? Still need more ideas? Here’s a link to brainstorm ideas for your Word for 2020. My word for 2019 was #movetobloom and in 2018 it was #celebrateeveryday – which turned into my mantra for my blog that I still use today. For 2020 I chose “Nourish”. I am focusing on three key areas in my life – Body, Mind and Soul and how I can practice nourishing each of these.

At the end of the workshop, we created our own My Intent bracelets stamping by-hand the word we chose. Each woman selected something different and unique to the season of their life – Bloom, Create, Worthy, Courage, Grace, Balance, Forward, Trust, Bold, Strength, Present, Be Still, Connect, Boundary, and Simplify.

Finding your WORD is a simple, fun, and empowering exercise.
In a world inundated with distractions, it’s powerful to have a daily reminder of what you want to actively focus on, or manifest, every day. The WORD you choose will evolve over time, it’s what you want to remind yourself for this chapter of your life, it may be a few weeks or months.

To cap the day off, we shared our takeaways from our January book club selection – The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates. Here’s an article outlining “Seven Lessons” from Gates’s first book in which she discusses the complexities of feminism and the phenomenon that communities can only flourish when women are lifted alongside men. It’s an enlightening book and made me realize I have formed prejudices that I need to reframe. I highly recommend all women (and men, for that matter) read this book.

For 2020, forget setting a resolution. Instead, ring in the New Year with an intention. This slight change to how you set your goal can actually improve your success in achieving whatever it is that you desire.

Growing up pulling on my mother's apron strings, I learned to prepare fabulous food, entertain guests with style and design a traditional home with a retro twist. Share my fondness of blending Mother's mid-century style with a modern spin.
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Y'all! Look at my new swim cap! Isn't it adorable. It reminds me of Doris Day! I'm celebrating a milestone this month - I bet you can't guess what it is. I'll share it next week on Home with a Twist!...

Happy Friday! These gorgeous hydrangeas are ready for my virtual 💐Flower Arranging 101 Class! I have one spot left if want to join us.
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After you register you receive a helpful printable guide and video tutorial on how to prep and care for your hydrangeas! 🌿
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𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗼 ☝️🌻

Happy Friday! These gorgeous hydrangeas are ready for my virtual 💐Flower Arranging 101 Class! I have one spot left if want to join us. | After you register you receive a helpful printable guide and video tutorial on how to prep and care for your hydrangeas! 🌿 | 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗼 ☝️🌻...

We will be together again soon! But until then let's get your happy hour game planned with recipes for sips and snacks.
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In next Tuesday's virtual cooking class I will be teaching you how to make the perfect Paloma cocktail and crispy cheese wafers. It's not a demo - you cook with me!
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☝️Register in the bio with a friend. #SchoolofGraciousLiving

We will be together again soon! But until then let's get your happy hour game planned with recipes for sips and snacks. | In next Tuesday's virtual cooking class I will be teaching you how to make the perfect Paloma cocktail and crispy cheese wafers. It's not a demo - you cook with me! | ☝️Register in the bio with a friend. #SchoolofGraciousLiving...

I'm bringing 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 back with a Twist! I loved gathering virtually this evening with these gals teaching them how to make Mother's chocolate cake. We measured, stirred, and created. The legacy of this cake now moves through these women.
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I've made the chocolate cake hundreds of times, but tonight was different. I could feel my mother in the kitchen with me laughing and licking the frosting with me from the bowl.
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Want to learn a new skill, bake something new, or just "be" with other women? Let's gather, learn and create. Link in bio to register.
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#SchoolofGraciousLiving

I'm bringing 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 back with a Twist! I loved gathering virtually this evening with these gals teaching them how to make Mother's chocolate cake. We measured, stirred, and created. The legacy of this cake now moves through these women. | I've made the chocolate cake hundreds of times, but tonight was different. I could feel my mother in the kitchen with me laughing and licking the frosting with me from the bowl. | Want to learn a new skill, bake something new, or just "be" with other women? Let's gather, learn and create. Link in bio to register. | #SchoolofGraciousLiving...

You know that useless cabinet above the stove? You can't reach it, so it stores little used, random things. I decided to make that cabinet a showcase of white dishware.
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I took out the wooden shelf and replaced it with tempered glass. I purchased peel and stick wallpaper and mounted it onto poster board to line the inside of the cabinet.
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Then the fun part - filling it with white serving pieces, Mother's milkglass, and a few colorful cookbooks. This space now says, "Hi, welcome to my kitchen!" #traditionalwithatwist #southernlivingmagazine

You know that useless cabinet above the stove? You can't reach it, so it stores little used, random things. I decided to make that cabinet a showcase of white dishware. | I took out the wooden shelf and replaced it with tempered glass. I purchased peel and stick wallpaper and mounted it onto poster board to line the inside of the cabinet. | Then the fun part - filling it with white serving pieces, Mother's milkglass, and a few colorful cookbooks. This space now says, "Hi, welcome to my kitchen!" #traditionalwithatwist #southernlivingmagazine...

This is my favorite view. As I work in my kitchen to create I can see the people gathering whom I love to serve. My new School of Gracious Living allows me to still be with you - virtually.
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The space in front of the sink is where I will welcome you into my kitchen while you are safely at your home. We will virtually cook together. I will teach you how to make my mother's famous chocolate cake.
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This is not a cooking demonstration - it's a LIVE class where we cook like girlfriends at a sleepover. I'll share a few cooking tips and tricks, and at the end of the class you have a warm, gooey cake to share with your family, and maybe a few new friends.
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Class starts Tuesday at 7 p.m. Register in the bio. #graciousliving

This is my favorite view. As I work in my kitchen to create I can see the people gathering whom I love to serve. My new School of Gracious Living allows me to still be with you - virtually. | The space in front of the sink is where I will welcome you into my kitchen while you are safely at your home. We will virtually cook together. I will teach you how to make my mother's famous chocolate cake. | This is not a cooking demonstration - it's a LIVE class where we cook like girlfriends at a sleepover. I'll share a few cooking tips and tricks, and at the end of the class you have a warm, gooey cake to share with your family, and maybe a few new friends. | Class starts Tuesday at 7 p.m. Register in the bio. #graciousliving...

My favorite breakfast on vacation is a hot cafe au laít ☕ fresh fruit 🍓and muffins.
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Life is a staycation right now so I made 🍌banana bread with a Twist! |
Visit my bio for Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl Muffins. They're for breakfast or dessert.

My favorite breakfast on vacation is a hot cafe au laít ☕ fresh fruit 🍓and muffins. | Life is a staycation right now so I made 🍌banana bread with a Twist! | Visit my bio for Banana Chocolate Espresso Swirl Muffins. They're for breakfast or dessert....

What do you want to learn? What can I teach you? It's time to get back to the basics of welcoming people into our homes.
Do you want to learn how to make a cake from scratch? How to organize your pantry? How to make an easy appetizer? How about ways you can help a grieving friend?
Take just 30-minutes with me this Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. I'll be waiting at my kitchen counter with a note pad in hand to write down all your ideas. You can be safe at home in your pjs.
And, if you attend the open house you'll receive a coupon code for $5 off a future class! Register in the link.

What do you want to learn? What can I teach you? It's time to get back to the basics of welcoming people into our homes. Do you want to learn how to make a cake from scratch? How to organize your pantry? How to make an easy appetizer? How about ways you can help a grieving friend? Take just 30-minutes with me this Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. I'll be waiting at my kitchen counter with a note pad in hand to write down all your ideas. You can be safe at home in your pjs. And, if you attend the open house you'll receive a coupon code for $5 off a future class! Register in the link....

"She sprouted love like flowers, grew a garden in her mind, and even on the darkest days, from her smile the sun still shined." Erin Hanson
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Everywhere I go I see and hear my mother. I hear her when the Cardinal sings, I see her when I go for walks and take in the beauty of the field of wildflowers near our home. I stopped today to admire this flower. When I captured this photo I had no idea of the flower's detail and radiance until now.

"She sprouted love like flowers, grew a garden in her mind, and even on the darkest days, from her smile the sun still shined." Erin Hanson | Everywhere I go I see and hear my mother. I hear her when the Cardinal sings, I see her when I go for walks and take in the beauty of the field of wildflowers near our home. I stopped today to admire this flower. When I captured this photo I had no idea of the flower's detail and radiance until now....

𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 - Let me teach you how to make my mother's chocolate cake. It's an heirloom recipe in our family, made with love hundreds of times. I have two VIRTUAL cooking class times available, but spaces are limited. Sign up with a girlfriend. 👆 Link to my bio to see all the fun classes for May and June.

𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 - Let me teach you how to make my mother's chocolate cake. It's an heirloom recipe in our family, made with love hundreds of times. I have two VIRTUAL cooking class times available, but spaces are limited. Sign up with a girlfriend. 👆 Link to my bio to see all the fun classes for May and June....

Today’s the day I launch my passion project - 𝑴𝒓𝒔. 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕’ 𝒔 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈. 🏡 We will gather virtually in my kitchen, living room, garden, ladies’ lounge, and dining table to inspire togetherness.
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I’ve curated a series of classes to welcome women into my home 🏡 through a virtual experience without you having to leave yours!
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People make the party, not the space. I look forward to seeing you soon! You can read more about it on www.homewithatwist.com🐝
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The full class offerings and registration are available in my bio. 📸: @rebekahbyrnephotography

Today’s the day I launch my passion project - 𝑴𝒓𝒔. 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕’ 𝒔 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈. 🏡 We will gather virtually in my kitchen, living room, garden, ladies’ lounge, and dining table to inspire togetherness. | I’ve curated a series of classes to welcome women into my home 🏡 through a virtual experience without you having to leave yours! | People make the party, not the space. I look forward to seeing you soon! You can read more about it on www.homewithatwist.com🐝 | The full class offerings and registration are available in my bio. 📸: @rebekahbyrnephotography...

I've been spending alot of time in my office sitting in this chair thinking, dreaming, writing, and planning.
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Tomorrow I'm sharing an exciting announcement on my blog. You might want to subscribe so you don't miss what's coming!🌈 |
☝️Link in the bio to sign up for my posts.📮

I've been spending alot of time in my office sitting in this chair thinking, dreaming, writing, and planning. | Tomorrow I'm sharing an exciting announcement on my blog. You might want to subscribe so you don't miss what's coming!🌈 | ☝️Link in the bio to sign up for my posts.📮...

🏝 The pool is officially open! I created this little privte niche for guests to rinse 🚿 and put on suntan lotion.
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👙 Filled a galvanized pail with sunscreen and bug spray, with a cute towel hook on a vintage window pane.
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🕶 The water was a smidge cool, but it was oh so refreshing.🧜‍♀️

🏝 The pool is officially open! I created this little privte niche for guests to rinse 🚿 and put on suntan lotion. | 👙 Filled a galvanized pail with sunscreen and bug spray, with a cute towel hook on a vintage window pane. | 🕶 The water was a smidge cool, but it was oh so refreshing.🧜‍♀️...

"To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow - this is a human offering that can border on miraculous."
𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑏𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝐺𝑖𝑙𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡
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Twenty-three years ago today I married a man that changed my life and together we have been blessed beyond measure. Our journey has not been easy with the losses we've endured, but grief is tempered with joy. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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📸: @rebekahbyrnephotography in our front garden.🐝

"To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow - this is a human offering that can border on miraculous." 𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑏𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝐺𝑖𝑙𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡 | Twenty-three years ago today I married a man that changed my life and together we have been blessed beyond measure. Our journey has not been easy with the losses we've endured, but grief is tempered with joy. I wouldn't have it any other way. | 📸: @rebekahbyrnephotography in our front garden.🐝...

𝕊𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕧𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖 - feeling the blues.💙 A simple design secret is grouping your collection together rather than spread it out. I've placed all my blue💙and💙white on the top of the bookcase. It's okay to mix patterns, too.
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The striped urn has a lid, but I took the lid off and placed a boxwood ball 🌳 on top. Around the neck of the urn is a Chinoiserie hand-painted ornament by @catherinewhite.art tied with navy satin ribbon.
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#stylingmynest🐦 #traditionalwithatwist #homewithatwist

𝕊𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕧𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖 - feeling the blues.💙 A simple design secret is grouping your collection together rather than spread it out. I've placed all my blue💙and💙white on the top of the bookcase. It's okay to mix patterns, too. . The striped urn has a lid, but I took the lid off and placed a boxwood ball 🌳 on top. Around the neck of the urn is a Chinoiserie hand-painted ornament by @catherinewhite.art tied with navy satin ribbon. . #stylingmynest🐦 #traditionalwithatwist #homewithatwist...

Ⓕⓤⓝ ⓕⓐⓒⓣ if you 💻 Google "Reese Witherspoon Applesauce Cake" 🍰 my blog 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 pops up as the 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 (another website is there sharing my blog, too). .
The recipe is from her delightful cookbook Whiskey in a Teacup☕. It has a yummy brown sugar frosting you pour on while it's warm. 😍
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Link in my bio 👆 for the recipe just in time for weekend baking.

Ⓕⓤⓝ ⓕⓐⓒⓣ if you 💻 Google "Reese Witherspoon Applesauce Cake" 🍰 my blog 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 pops up as the 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 (another website is there sharing my blog, too). . The recipe is from her delightful cookbook Whiskey in a Teacup☕. It has a yummy brown sugar frosting you pour on while it's warm. 😍 . Link in my bio 👆 for the recipe just in time for weekend baking....

Week two of my 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 🏡 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 - our dining area. To me it all says, "Come on in, and stay a while."💓
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I love the big, round rustic table and the textural seagrass dining chairs. .
We don't have a formal dining room because I turned it in a "ladies lounge" so this is where meals, ☕ coffee, meal planning, and discussion happens. .
My daughter selected the IKEA dandelion chandelier - "go big or go home" I heard her say!
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The round, wooden tray houses seasonal items like the white urn, the white quatrefoil ginger jar, a candle, and David Austin roses ⚘ from my garden.
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And to finish it off - a big pop of hot pink with our oversized bee 🐝 mat at the back door. .
Tap for souces. #HobbyLobbyfinds

Week two of my 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 🏡 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 - our dining area. To me it all says, "Come on in, and stay a while."💓 . I love the big, round rustic table and the textural seagrass dining chairs. . We don't have a formal dining room because I turned it in a "ladies lounge" so this is where meals, ☕ coffee, meal planning, and discussion happens. . My daughter selected the IKEA dandelion chandelier - "go big or go home" I heard her say! . The round, wooden tray houses seasonal items like the white urn, the white quatrefoil ginger jar, a candle, and David Austin roses ⚘ from my garden. . And to finish it off - a big pop of hot pink with our oversized bee 🐝 mat at the back door. . Tap for souces. #HobbyLobbyfinds...

Do you follow my blog? It's my tribute to everything Mother taught me growing up, but with my twist as a modern woman. She shared as much as she could with me during her life - including her love of nature and gardening. As I'm writing my first book, mini-memoirs evolve recalling Mother's pearls of wisdom. Today's post recalls visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Will you spend a little of your Sunday with me reading my story? Link in my bio. 📸: @rebekahbyrnephotography

Do you follow my blog? It's my tribute to everything Mother taught me growing up, but with my twist as a modern woman. She shared as much as she could with me during her life - including her love of nature and gardening. As I'm writing my first book, mini-memoirs evolve recalling Mother's pearls of wisdom. Today's post recalls visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Will you spend a little of your Sunday with me reading my story? Link in my bio. 📸: @rebekahbyrnephotography...

Thinking of a happy evening at my favorite place - The Trellis House. Deviled eggs and 🥂 bubbly. Behind the scenes are my best guy pals Glen and Laurence curating an epic experience for their guests. Meet me there in October. #thetrellishouse #blueandwhitehome

Thinking of a happy evening at my favorite place - The Trellis House. Deviled eggs and 🥂 bubbly. Behind the scenes are my best guy pals Glen and Laurence curating an epic experience for their guests. Meet me there in October. #thetrellishouse #blueandwhitehome...